Halina Micro 110 redux – Processed and reappraised

If you read my original Micro 110 review you’ll know I sounded a bit disappointed. One factor I’d wandered about was the processing. I persevered and shot another cartridge and got it processed by the good folk at Digital Photo Express in Carlisle. The results really made me reappraise the camera as well as processing and Lomography Tiger CN200.

Halina Micro 110 with Lomography Tiger 200CN

Digital Photo Lab are a small husband and wife business but they know their stuff and their limitations. They only do C-41 processing (including Xpro of E6) but beyond that they’ll take on most challenges and they are not only one of my closest labs but my go to for sprocket shots. They also do 110 C-41 and I’m much more pleased with their results.

Halina Micro 110 with Lomography Tiger 200CN

It was out with the micro on a Warm spring morning to Powillimount beach on the Solway Firth on a sunny day with scattered clouds. What is striking is the Halina seemed spot on in this EV 14-15 shoot for exposure. The images are not bad at the 1.5-5 metre range too as the seashell shingle shot proves – a bit soft and grainy but not bad given the smaller frame size and the plastic lens.

Halina Micro 110 with Lomography Tiger 200CN. Note reflective issue in bottom 1/3 and emulsion issues to the left of main figure

But the better processing highlights 2 faults with the Micro 110. Camera shake is more apparent here making me wonder if the assumed 1/100 f/8 is perhaps more of a 1/50 f/11 or f/16. The camera in bright conditions seems more prone to some hazing in the lower 3rd of frame. Less light leak more reflection IMHO.

Halina Micro 110 with Lomography Tiger 200CN. 2016

That said, the camera is looking better as a shootar. Yes still not quite in the VUWS league but not bad. And perhaps in spirit and with a good lab it is as close to the VUWS you’ll get in 110 land

Lab Politics

Lab wise this does confirm that well held viewpoint that not all labs are equal. I’ve long been a fan of using Digital Photo Express but have maybe wavered as I’ve had cheaper 35mm processing at ASDA abet lower quality and now I live in Dumfries it has been easier to send off the films to a semi pro lab. But these folk do a good job and the 110 results were astounding (again keep in mind the images here are from a fixed focus, plastic lensed number). That said the other lab did a fine job of 35mm and 120 stuff for me.

Halina Micro 110 with Lomography Tiger 200CN. 2016

Tiger, Tiger Burning Bright

The processing also confirms the emulsion that Lomography are using isn’t perfect. I’ve run through films from three different triple packs of Tiger 200CN from 2 suppliers and had them processed by both Digital Photo lab and by Snaps on a range of 110 cameras. I’m getting the same pattern on odd frames of small orange edged dots. The film otherwise is reasonably vivid more Kodak end than Fujifilm.

Unlike Lomography’s 35mm or 120 film there is little information or speculation online about the providence of the 110 film suppliers. We do know the stuff is made in China but that’s all. That said feels vaguely Kodak-like and we do know that in the noughties of this century Kodak and Lucky were quite heavily tied in. Maybe a Lucky guess or just a stab in the dark ?

8 thoughts on “Halina Micro 110 redux – Processed and reappraised”

Hey, I just got one of these and want to play with it. The back piece of mine is very loose and between the bottom of it and and the wheel there’s a gap that seems to let a lot of light in… Is yours the same? I don’t know if I should tape it up or something?
Thanks for the two posts on this camera – very helpful!
Cheers

The back plate that slides out isn’t essential (mines needs the gentlest of touch to slide but if I hold the camera up it doesn’t slide out – but my one is pretty mint. I suspect as new or if used just once or twice – I suspect will loosen)

The gap between it and the wheel is normal- the 110 cartridge has a bit that sticks out at that point. The only seal that matters is the box behind the lens that will secure onto the the film window on the cartridge.

The trick with 110 is getting a good lab as you can see from my posts (unless you DIY). Fewer labs offer it and those that do may not be doing enough to give great results – so like me don’t get to disappointed if a roll comes back poor from one lab. If you live in Cumbria or SW Scotland I’d heartily recommend the folks at the Fuji lab on Fisher St in Carlisle